ZIM vs IRE Match Prediction - Who will win the 1st ODI? Ireland tour of Zimbabwe 2025

The first ODI of the three-match series between Zimbabwe and Ireland will be played on Friday (February 14). The series opener is scheduled to be played on Friday (February 12) at the Harare Sports Club, Harare.

This will be the first ODI match between the two teams since Zimbabwe hosted Ireland for a three-match series in December 2023. Ireland had won that series 2-0 and will be eyeing a similar performance in the upcoming match and series as well. The momentum is also with Ireland after their 63-run win over Zimbabwe in the one-off Test and they will look to make the most of it.

For Zimbabwe, things have not really gone well in recent times. Before losing the one-off Test against Ireland, they had also lost the T20I, ODI, and Test series against Afghanistan at home. Zimbabwe will be desperate to bounce back and start the ODI series on a good note. So, as Zimbabwe and Ireland prepare for the first ODI, here are all the predictions for the game.

ZIM vs IRE Match Prediction - 1st ODI, Ireland tour of Zimbabwe 2025:

Match Details

Match: ZIM vs IRE, 1st ODI

Date: February 14, 2025

Time: 01: o0 PM IST

Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare

Live streaming: FanCode

Live broadcast: The match won't be telecast live in India

ZIM vs IRE Match Prediction—Head-to-Head Record

Ireland have maintained the upper hand in their head-to-head record against Zimbabwe in ODIs. Both the teams have played 22 ODIs against each other so far and Ireland have won 10 of those games while Zimbabwe have won 8 games.

One ODI between the two teams ended in a draw while three games ended with no result.

Total Test Matches Played: 22

Zimbabwe Won: 8

Ireland Won: 10

Last 5 Matches: Zimbabwe won - 0 win | Ireland won - 3 wins

Pitch Report & Conditions

Bowlers usually dominate the proceedings at the Harare Sports Club. The average first innings total at the venue is just 226 runs and it won't be surprising if the upcoming game also turns out to be a low-scoring contest.

In the last ODI played at the venue, Zimbabwe were all out for only 127 runs. In reply, Afghanistan had chased down the total quite comfortably in the end. Bowlers are likely to have the upper hand in the upcoming ZIM vs IRE ODI as well.

Chasing Record:

Teams batting second have a slightly better record than teams batting first at the Harare Sports Club. Of the 186 ODIs played at the venue, teams batting second have won 95 games while teams batting first have won 85 games.

Weather Report

Rain could play spoilsport during the upcoming 1st ZIM vs IRE Test. The chances of rain during the game is between 30-50 percent. As a result, the game could be a curtailed one while there is also a chance of the entire game getting washed out.

ZIM vs IRE Match Prediction - Zimbabwe and Ireland Probable XIs

Zimbabwe Playing 11:

Ben Curran, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Craig Ervine (c), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, Wessly Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza, Newman Nyamhuri, Richard Ngarava, Trevor Gwandu

Ireland Playing 11:

Andrew Balbirnie, Paul Stirling (c), Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Graham Hume, Barry McCarthy

Form and Fitness

There are no fitness concerns for any of the two teams as of now.

Score Prediction

ZIM vs IRE Players to perform prediction

ZIM: Craig Ervine (c), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett and Richard Ngarava could make a big difference for Zimbabwe in the game.

IRE: Andrew Balbirnie, Paul Stirling Curtis Campher, Mark Adair and Josh Little could play a big role for Ireland in the upcoming ODI.

ZIM vs IRE Best Batsman Prediction

Who will score the most runs for ZIM in the match: Sean Williams or Sikandar Raza

Who will score the most runs for IRE in the match: Andrew Balbirnie or Curtis Campher

ZIM vs IRE Best Bowler Prediction

Who will pick the most wickets for ZIM in the match: Richard Ngarava or Sikandar Raza

Who will pick the most wickets for IRE in the match: Josh Little or Matthew Humphreys

Conclusion: Who will win the match?

Ireland will start the first ZIM vs IRE ODI as favorites and are expected to beat Zimbabwe.